Deciding which kit to take to the talent show.

[drummerboy79]

Trying to decide which drum kit to take to the talent show next year. The stage is not very big and there's not a lot of room. It will have to be a 4 piece kit with 3 cymbals. I have been going back and forth on taking the big 22" bass drum or converting my 16" floor tom into a bass drum which would be a lot smaller and give me more room. I'm only going to be doing a 3 minute jazz solo. Which I need to come up with a name for the solo. Also my drums will have to fit into my small two door compact car.

Keep drumming
Gregg

[Pearl MCX Man]

Gegg only you know which kit to bring as you have seen the stage and what you can fit on it. 3pce with 3 cymbals sounds ok to me.

[N2Bluz]

Don't worry about the physical size. Use whichever kit feels more comfortable for you and allows you to play the best you can.

[Johnny G]

If it's just you playing a solo, why does the difference between the footprint of a 22 versus a 16 even matter? I do not see this as a moment in life where 6 inches is a significant difference.

[slinglander]

If it's just you playing a solo, why does the difference between the footprint of a 22 versus a 16 even matter? I do not see this as a moment in life where 6 inches is a significant difference.

I agree with this...never could see the diff in space between the footprint of a 22" and a 20"being overwhelmingly significant.

[FlyByNight]

If it's a jazz solo, use the 16. Less weight to carry around, and most jazz kits have smaller bass drums.

[N2Bluz]

Actually, the smaller bass and toms may give it more of a Jazz sound. The higher pitches may also make it more interesting.

[slinglander]

You guys see Buddy Rich's 16" bass? Uh-uh, no, right?

[FlayOtters]

There's no such thing as a 16 inch bass drum.
Do it right.

[drummerboy79]

No Buddy Rich did not have a 16" bass drum. I don't think they even thought of even making a smaller bass drum back in those days. But even a 16" bass drum tuned just right can sound a lot better than a 22" or 24" bass drum. But I have always wondered what the great jazz drummers of the past would say about the smaller bass drum of today?

[Icetech]

I don't understand what buddy used even matters? If he didnt do something then no one should even try it?

[N2Bluz]

I don't typically think of the big band format when someone says Jazz. I usually think of a Combo or a Trio, playing improv Jazz in a smoke filled nightclub. That's why the small bass drum comes to mind for Jazz.

[slinglander]

But Drummerboy79 hasn't specified which Jazz he favors, either. Just sayin' could be either size, big or small, but the old standard wasn't small.
Also as a talent show, I'd assume part of the show is appearances, impressions, so I'd favor a bigger bass drum.

[SpazApproved]

Go big or go home

[inthpktplayer]

It's next year, right? I think you have plenty of time to decide.

[N2Bluz]

But Drummerboy79 hasn't specified which Jazz he favors, either. Just sayin' could be either size, big or small, but the old standard wasn't small.
Also as a talent show, I'd assume part of the show is appearances, impressions, so I'd favor a bigger bass drum.

You are correct. Visually, a 26" or 28" bass would really grab attention.

Honestly, I get way more attention when I gig my jungle kit with a 16" BD. It looks like a child's kit on stage surrounded by six guitars. People (especially girls ) are always coming up to me during break and telling me how cool my "mini drum kit" is and can't believe it sounds like a "real" kit, LOL. Most people around here have never seen anyone play anything except a standard full sized 5pc kit. It's a novelty...but a perfectly functional one.

[N2Bluz]

Go big or go home

No replacement for displacement?

Your drum kit weighs more than your Honda